Shanghai Flavor

Reviews

• Yushan Z.

  star star star star star 29 May 2026

  Super authentic shanghai food!! We were a little reluctant to try it out because the reviews on google is 4.1 (usually google reviews are higher than yelp). But I'm so glad we went!! We ordered 腌笃鲜，糖醋排骨，葱油面，and two cold dish. Everything was delicious and it's probably the best meal I had during my whole week in the San Francisco area.

• Ida H.

  star star star_border star_border star_border 21 May 2026

  I've been on the hunt for the best soup dumplings in the Bay Area. I was craving something savory after having sweets at a nearby establishment. I noticed this business in my bookmarks and decided to pay them a visit.
  
  The wait was long. I would advise to plan ahead and make reservations because my friend and I waited around half an hour (outside, because there was not much space to stand inside). Staff was nice and did their best in cranking out the orders in an efficient manner. Place is relatively clean.
  
  Shanghai XLB ($7.95): Major pass. There was no soup in the dumplings! The meat was also a little too pink from what I'm used to. This dish was also the last to arrive. From past experience with other restaurants, they're usually the first.
  
  Sweet and Sour Pork Ribs ($10.95): This dish had a new flavor that I'm not used to - not like the other sweet and sour pork ribs I've had before. I couldn't figure it out but I didn't like it.
  
  Shanghai Veggie & Pork Rice Cake($8.95): Tasted like normal rice cakes. There wasn't much flavor and I couldn't taste the flavor of the veggies. It was underwhelming.
  
  Chicken and Broccoli ($9.95): Tasted like normal chicken and broccoli. The broccoli was the only thing I enjoyed this whole meal.
  
  Overall, the presentation was nice and the staff was very friendly. Unfortunately, this isn't a place I would make a return to.

• Michael M.

  star star star star_border star_border 19 May 2026

  I had the XLB and the wonton soup. I enjoyed both. The wonton soup was really delicious and it came with a vinegar based side that, when added, really enhanced the flavor. I'd never had that before. As for the XLB it was a little doughy for my liking but the flavor was great. All in all, I would give it another chance with a different dish.

• Ada C.

  star star star star star_border 16 May 2026

  Shanghai flavor is located in a prime location surrounded by other Asian cuisine and super markets. My friends and I came here in a Saturday night at 6:30pm and it was reasonably packed. There aren't too many tables so I can imagine it might be hard to get a table. Looks like they take reservations since some tables were reserved in advance.  
  
  My group of five ordered six dishes - hot and sour soup, Shanghai vegetable combination, xiao lung baos, salted pork rice, sweet and sour pork ribs, and salt and pepper fish filet. The food came out one at a time in a timely fashion. They don't pour the soup for you so that's something you'll have to for your table. The food was all really amazing and delicious. The dish of the night was the fish! Must order! It's got the perfect blend of seasoning and the fried portion was perfect ratio to the fish. The disappointment of the night was the pork ribs which was diced really small and some parts were all bones. The hot and sour soup was very good with lots of ingredients mixed in. Lastly, the xlb was perfect. The soup and meat was just right.
  
  As for the value, in large groups, it was such a steal. I would definitely come back to try their other dishes.

• Judy V.

  star star star star star_border 9 May 2026

  MMM! I love this place but always feel guilty after I leave because of all the carbs I consume.
  
  Our usually go-to order:  
  Veggie and Pork Rice Cake: 5/5 - glutinous goodness  
  Shanghai Pork Wonton: 1/5 - no flavor
  Shanghai Meat Ball with Soy Sauce: 4/5 - huge!
  Cold tofu with thousand year old egg and soy sauce: 5/5 - so simple yet delicious and light
  Bean Curd with Veggies: 3/5 healthy tasting but I am not a huge fan of the flavors
  XLB: 4/5 - Juicy
  
  One thing I do appreciate dining here is the service. The waitresses are always friendly.